Sportsvibe.co.uk: Reds close in on Gaitan

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Liverpool have moved into advanced talks with Portuguese champions Benfica over a move for Argentine winger Nicolas Gaitan as Brendan Rodgers continues to expand his squad before the start of the season.

According to reports in France, Liverpool are ready to beat the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Monaco to sign the 26-year-old, the Metro reveals.

Gaitan is known to have a £35.6million release clause, a fee Liverpool could match after selling Luis Suarez to Barcelona earlier in the transfer window, although they are negotiating a transfer fee, the article reports.

Should Liverpool agree a deal with Benfica it would leave them free reign to sign the winger after Monaco failed to meet their asking price having already agreed personal terms.

Gaitan made 26 appearances in the Portuguese league last season, netting four times, picking up a further four goals in both domestic and European competition.